When I drove the CLA, I wondered: is it too close to the C-Class?
It's FWD, but coupe-ish and close in price when you spec it.
I drove the new C-Class, with its choice of nose star placement.
Now I get it, as the new C-Class is really different.
It's 10 cm longer than the last one, mostly for the rear seats.
To start, there are 3 engines: C180 and C200 petrol and C220 diesel.
We drive the latter. 170 ps and almost 400 Nm.
It will come with tax benefits in the Netherlands.
170 ps is enough, I reckon. There's enough torque, too.
There's a 7-speed automatic. It's not the fastest, but works fine.
As for the settings: you can choose any of 4 or customize them.
It changes the gearbox, the engine, the steering and even the ride.
In Sport it's a great car. Not like a 3 Series, but the balance you get is great.
It reminds me of the CLS, which is dynamic yet serene like a Mercedes should.
The air suspension is unique here and makes it ride really well, too.
The balance is great. You can push it without getting understeer soon.
It's not as dynamic as a 3 Series but on the same level as a whole.
I get the complaints about the centre screen, which is different.
But it's large and clear. Then, the rest of the interior.
The dials, the wheel, the finish. Look at the door.
You won't find this anywhere else in the segment.
Mercedes brought it to another level.
This takes safety features from the S-Class, of which I drove prototypes.
But this production car is so very autonomous in traffic jams.
You release the wheel and it follows the car ahead.
You could read the paper. It's really amazing in this car.
In the back, there's more space than a 3 Series or A4.
Those 2 are direct rivals, while this C was below them, like the IS and CTS.
So now Mercedes offers the CLA as a hip, zippy car.
While the C-Class is the best car of its kind. It really is.
Not the most dynamic, but the best car overall in the segment.
+ Great interior; Brilliant ride
- Multimedia complicated without reason; Engines not that competative